niknak
New Member
Posts: 10
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: October 6, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Matthew J Martin
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Post by niknak on Sept 3, 2014 13:01:28 GMT -5
Hi all.
My name is Niki, an army wife with a supportive and loving husband, and two adorable foster to adopt babies, 18 month old boy and 7 month old baby girl, that we are currently in the process of adopting through our state.
Had my gastric sleeve done by a civilian doc in Texas who boasts to having successfully completed over 6500 bariatric surgeries and after 3 years of following the strict protein/diet requirements, exercising like crazy, and extremely disappointing weight loss, I turned to my army docs to find out what went wrong. I felt like a total failure. Several tests later have revealed that my original sleeve was not properly done and it has caused an almost barbel like shaped stomach. This has obviously been a relief to find out that it wasn't just something else I personally failed at, but also scary as it now has to be revised. So many of us dream that we only have to do this once and now it has to be done again. I am extremely grateful and blessed that I am getting this second opportunity to do what I should have done from the very beginning. I am fully committed to having this be the successful tool I had hoped the first would be. Reviewed the vitalady recommendations and vitamins on order and mentally preparing for the work and recovery that this revision will require.
So my new surgeon will be going in, hopefully laproscopically, and essentially resleeving the areas that are incorrect and doing the ds on Oct 6, 2014.
Looking here for encouragement, making new friends, and support along the way to a healthier, lighter me that can enjoy keeping up with my kiddos and active husband.
Blessings, Nik
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Post by meq815 on Sept 3, 2014 13:04:48 GMT -5
Welcome, Niki! Glad you found us. Lotsa great info here!
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niknak
New Member
Posts: 10
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: October 6, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Matthew J Martin
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Post by niknak on Sept 3, 2014 13:32:45 GMT -5
Thank you! Yes, I agree, there is a ton of great info on here.
It has already helped me in getting ready!
Have a great day!
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Post by west4thavenue on Sept 3, 2014 13:43:44 GMT -5
Hello, Niki. Welcome!
Your previous procedure failed you...not the other way around. Ask any questions you'd like.
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niknak
New Member
Posts: 10
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: October 6, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Matthew J Martin
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Post by niknak on Sept 3, 2014 13:53:27 GMT -5
Hi Monica,
Thank you!
I do have a question regarding birth control if anyone can offer input.
My primary doc just gave me the depo shot and I am wondering if this will be an effective means of birth control once my procedure is completed, as it is injected into my arm and not taken orally. Should be okay, right?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by west4thavenue on Sept 3, 2014 16:12:47 GMT -5
Hi Monica, Thank you! I do have a question regarding birth control if anyone can offer input. My primary doc just gave me the depo shot and I am wondering if this will be an effective means of birth control once my procedure is completed, as it is injected into my arm and not taken orally. Should be okay, right? Thanks in advance. Niki, I truly could not advise you with regard to the effectiveness of depo. I recommend that you speak with your surgeon about this.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Sept 3, 2014 19:27:35 GMT -5
Hi Niki,
Welcome!
The Depo shot is one of the options I'm considering. I'm told that works for those of us with a DS. How do you like it so far? I was on the pill and it can't be trusted now. I'm 8 weeks out and doing great!
Enjoy the boards, they are full of excellent information, Kelly
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niknak
New Member
Posts: 10
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: October 6, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Matthew J Martin
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Post by niknak on Sept 3, 2014 21:37:00 GMT -5
Thanks, Kelly! I like the shot better than the pill so far. I had a Mirena IUD before I had my VSG in 2011 but my body rejected it and it had to be surgically removed, so I knew I had to come up with another option for birth control. So far so good. Great job on your recovery so far! I hope to be equally pleased 8 weeks out
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Post by nursemelanie on Sept 3, 2014 22:55:19 GMT -5
Welcome Niki, I'm a VSG to DS. My sleeve was in good shape, so no alteration needed. They just switched me, repaired a hiatal hernia, removed my gallbladder and removed adhesions that were on an around my old sleeve. It made my stomach feel as if it was reduced due to the inflammation.
I'm 9 wks out and have lost 43 or more lbs including 12 lbs pre-op. Not bad for a non-virgin DS'r. About a week or so ago I started feeling a lot better.
Best wishes in your journey.
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Post by goodkel on Sept 3, 2014 23:18:16 GMT -5
Hi Monica, Thank you! I do have a question regarding birth control if anyone can offer input. My primary doc just gave me the depo shot and I am wondering if this will be an effective means of birth control once my procedure is completed, as it is injected into my arm and not taken orally. Should be okay, right? Thanks in advance. Hi Niki! Welcome! The recommendation is to always use two forms of birth control until 18-24 months out and you have stopped losing weight. Hormones are stored in your fat and as your fat melts off of you, those hormones are released into your system. This can increase your fertility. Pregnancy while you are losing weight rapidly can put the baby at risk from ketosis.
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niknak
New Member
Posts: 10
Surgery Type: Revision
Surgery Date: October 6, 2014
Surgeon: Dr. Matthew J Martin
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Post by niknak on Sept 4, 2014 12:57:18 GMT -5
Thank you for the warm welcome and advice! It is greatly appreciated. I will definitely do as recommended regarding the two forms of birth control just to be safe! Have a wonderful day all
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Post by bboop on Sept 4, 2014 18:01:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
I don't think I've heard of your surgeon, where do you live? How many DS surgeries has he done? Just checking. Want to make sure you get the best.
Good for you on doing your research...that's an important part of a successful DS.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Sept 4, 2014 19:58:53 GMT -5
Kelly,
I didn't know this about the two forms or the way it could make one more fertile! My sisters and I are very fertile (I'm one of seven and they have large families, my sister even had a beautiful surprise at my age!) I don't want to take any chances and I'm sure Nikii feels the same way. This is such a tough decision!
Thanks for the info, Kelly
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Post by newyorkbitch on Sept 4, 2014 21:40:59 GMT -5
The reason the pill is not reliable is because it's absorbed in the small intestine. But if you take a non-oral form of hormonal birth control, you need to discuss the dosage with your ob/gyn, given that your system will undergo dramatic hormonal changes during the weight loss phase.
Obesity is a cause of infertility. Fat produces estrogen. With massive weight loss comes a drop in estrogen levels, and your system is flooded with estrogen. Many obese women do not ovulate regularly, and the weight loss can fix that, and thus make getting pregnant more likely. Same with PCOS.
Do not rely on a barrier method alone, ever. But during the weight loss phase, you should take a non-oral hormonal form of birth control (injected is fine), and use a barrier method as a backup. I recommend a cervical cap with spermicide.
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